Here is the story from the Washington Post. That article neglects to specify what Todd was doing when arrested. This HuffPo Article makes it clear it was protesting abortion clinics. When I was young being raised Catholic, my parents took me to stand in a church protest outside an abortion clinic. We held signs. Chanted. Nobody got arrested. I don't even recall seeing the police ... but it was a long time ago. Todd Akin was obviously being more aggressive with his actions to get arrested ... eight times.
This is America. People have free speech rights but you are to confine yourself to acting within the law. I have no problem with those who wish to engage in non-violent civil disobedience but I do have a problem if my US Senator is a protester. Every government official takes an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States. Todd Akin has made it clear he disagrees with the laws to such an extent that his willing to break them over and over again. While Roe v. Wade is in effect, how does Todd Akin truthfully take an oath to uphold the laws of the United States?